Companies are racing to train more plumbers and electricians for data center projects. High demand brings better pay but tight schedules create challenges.
One issue is that companies need trained workers quickly for data centers. Quinonez mentions that plumbing work here is similar to other jobs, but the schedules are strict. If things go wrong, projects can fall behind. This can cost a lot of money for the builders.
Apprentices learn from experienced plumbers on regular jobs, but companies are careful when it comes to data centers. They want to avoid mistakes, so new workers might need extra training. David Long from the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) says they are training new electricians fast to keep up with retirements. But the specific needs of data centers make this harder.
Charles White from PHCC says that plumbers and HVAC workers can earn more on these special projects because of the long hours. Demand for these workers is high, encouraging them to switch jobs for better pay. Quinonez hears stories about how quickly workers get paid by big tech companies like Amazon or Google.
Competition for workers is tough. Madello shares that in construction, traveling workers help ease the demand because they are available anywhere. It is uncertain how long this need for tradespeople will last. Once building stops, data centers will have smaller teams on-site for maintenance.
White explains that even when projects finish, work is needed for system upkeep. So, some workers might stay in their jobs. If construction slows down and the economy struggles, jobs might be harder to find. But for now, business is booming. Basu ponders whether this growth will last or if it will suddenly change.